Dental Specialties
GENERAL DENTAL PRACTITIONER
A dentist who performs all types of dental procedures, but has not
received postgraduate training in any one area. General dentists provide
Diagnostic,
Preventive,
Restorative,
Endodontic,
Periodontal,
Prosthetic,
and Oral Surgery,
services. They may also provide orthodontic treatment, although this
service is usually rendered by orthodontists.
ENDODONTIST
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treating diseases
of, and injuries to, the pulp. Endodontists perform root canal therapy
and other services related to the blood vessels and nerve tissue inside teeth.
PERIODONTIST
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treating diseases of
the supporting and surrounding tissues of teeth. Periodontists perform scalings,
gingivectomies and other surgery involving soft tissue and bone.
PROSTHODONTIST
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to restoring natural
teeth and replacing missing teeth. Prosthodontists treat patients with crowns,
bridges and dentures.
ORAL SURGEON
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to diagnosing and
treating diseases, injuries, deformities and defects of the mouth. Oral Surgeons
remove erupted and impacted teeth and provide other surgical services to
correct problems of the teeth, bone and soft tissue in the oral cavity.
ORTHODONTIST
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to preventing and
treating malocclusion of the teeth. Orthodontists use removable and fixed
appliances (often called braces) to straighten and realign teeth.
PEDODONTIST
A dental specialist whose practice is limited to treating children.
Pedodontists perform basic dental procedures such as prophylaxes, restorations,
pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns.